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Great Honeymoon Destinations That Are Off the Beaten Path

If you don't want to plan a cookie-cutter honeymoon to Paris or the Caribbean, consider a more off-the-beaten-path locale. These honeymoon destinations don't skimp on romance, but there's plenty of adventure to be had, too.

Great Honeymoon Destinations That Are Off the Beaten Path

If you don't want to plan a cookie-cutter honeymoon to Paris or the Caribbean, consider a more off-the-beaten-path locale. These honeymoon destinations don't skimp on romance, but there's plenty of adventure to be had, too.

Pucón, Chile

If you and your sweetie are the types of people who think scaling an active volcano is romantic, head to this Chilean city. There, you can climb nearby Villarrica, which also features a ski lodge in the wintertime. There are plenty of other thrilling activities in the region, including diving and hiking; if you're sore from all that moving around, try soothing your muscles in the termas geometricas (hot springs)

WHERE TO STAY: The stunning Hotel Antumalal has a gorgeous Forest Chalet, which offers the ultimate private and romantic escape. It's surrounded by woodland, and from the private terrace, you have beautiful views of Villarrica Lake.

Lake District, England

To Brits, a trip up north to the Lake District might not be considered a dream honeymoon; but the beautiful scenery makes it an excellent under-the-radar destination. Take a train to Windermere (home to England's biggest lake), where you'll find enchanting fields that are perfect for long, romantic meanderings. For dinner, book a spot at the acclaimed restaurant L'Enclume, which was recently given top honors by the Good Food Guide to Britain.

WHERE TO STAY: At the Gilpin Hotel and Lake House, you'll experience the VIP treatment, complete with extra privacy and a couples hot tub in each suite. Choose from one of three honeymoon packages which offer the likes of breakfast in bed, pre-prepared champagne picnics, and personalized keepsake memories.

WHERE TO STAY:The Royal Begonia is a beachfront resort on Haitang Bay set against pristine sands and azure waters. To make your honeymoon extra special, book one of the resort's 18 private villas that will take your breath away with their sweeping views of the South China Sea.

Port Antonio, Jamaica

The Caribbean is a perennially popular honeymoon spot, but there are still areas within the islands that remain relatively undiscovered. Case in point: Jamaica’s Port Antonio, which has fewer tourists than elsewhere on the island, tropical lands that are more or less undisturbed, beautiful (and not-too-crowded) white sand beaches, and sleepy towns to explore.

WHERE TO STAY: Stay at Sanwood, a schmancy villa that was built in the 1960s, but will become part of the Geejam Hotel's new luxury resort. Guests at the Sanwood are treated to amenities like a personal chef, a private pool, and wall murals from Banksy.

Hvar, Croatia

This Croatian town may attract its share of party-going types, but Hvar also offers plenty of romance for honeymooners. It's adjacent to the Adriatic Sea, and spending a relaxing day on the beach is just one way to get your honeymoon off to a good start. Others: get lost in the lavender fields together; take a dip in those glittering waters; and feast on gourmet seafood straight from the sea Don’t forget to take a day trip to the Paklinski Islands, where you'll find plenty of hidden coves where you can enjoy each others' company.

WHERE TO STAY: Adriana, a boutique hotel with a luxurious spa, has just about everything romantically inclined travelers would want: a rooftop bar, gorgeous rooms (including a special spa suite), and special packages exclusively for couples.

Lhasa, Tibet

Explore sacred temples, trundle round the bustling streets and get lost in the Barkhor pilgrim circuit. And for a great couples experience in Lhasa, book a private tour of the nearby Potala Palace, once home to the Dalai Lama.

WHERE TO STAY: For unbeatable views of the Himalayas, plan to stay at the grand St. Regis, the first luxury resort in Tibet. The Enduring Romance package offers complimentary flowers and champagne, a fancy in-room dinner, and the luxury of having a rose-scented bath drawn for you.

Lapland, Finland

Buck the trend of tropical honeymoons and instead, head to this Finnish city, which really comes alive in the winter. You can partake in all sorts of activities that pretty much scream "I'm near the Arctic circle": husky rides, snowmobile excursions, ice-fishing, and more. (And don't forget to keep an eye out for the Northern Lights, which are especially brilliant in this area.)

WHERE TO STAY: Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort offers several different types of rooms: There are glass igloos built into the ground (pictured; don't worry, they're perfectly warm), as well as wood-lined earth lodge that was created specially for couples, with an en-suite sauna.

Panajachel, Guatemala

Whether your ideal honeymoon involves adventure hiking, exploring Mayan ruins, or soaking in thermal spas, Panajachel in the southwestern Guatemalan Highlands will satisfy you. Lake Atitlàn is definitely worthy of a pilgrimage thanks to its striking volcanic triptych backdrop, before or after you've made the most of the numerous Mayan spas in the area.

WHERE TO STAY: The great thing about this destination: You can find relatively affordable accommodations. Try Hotel Regis, a no-frills resort complete with spa and double rooms from $87 per night.

Cartagena, Colombia

While many choose peaceful, beachside locations for their honeymoons, they certainly aren’t what everyone wants. For a vivacious trip full of color and life, honeymoon in Cartagena: Colombia’s liveliest city. Whether you soak up the atmosphere together in an outdoor café, get lost hand-in-hand in its cobbled backstreets, or intimately salsa the night away, we guarantee you’ll find it hard not to fall in love with the place.

WHERE TO STAY: The luxurious boutique Hotel LM has only seven rooms, all of which have lovely decorative touches. Book the Escape Plan, a couples package that includes spa treatments, fresh fruit delivered to your room, and a champage-fueled horse-drawn carriage ride through the old city.

South Africa

When it comes to South Africa, there’s no lack of honeymoon options. From the vibrant cities to the over 20 national parks to choose from for a safari, the country exudes beauty. The best of both worlds, couples can get every honeymoon experience out of a single destination.

WHERE TO STAY:Londolozi’s five-camp preserve built among the trees offers a private experience, with a personal safari guide, private meals, and a couples wilderness massage overlooking the river. Wake up to see the sunrise from the resort’s deck to see the elephants below.

Capri, Italy

Lured by the famed Blue Grotto sea cave and colorful homes stacked on the seaside, visitors to Capri find that the small, rocky outcrop along the Amalfi Coast is as rustically romantic as it gets.

WHERE TO STAY:J.K. Place Capri is set in a restored 19th-century villa, and is considered one of the island’s finest hotels. Its 22 rooms and eight luxury suites boast incredible views, a spa, and an outdoor pool. The only downside? You’ll never want to leave your room.

Big Sur, California

Find newlywed bliss without leaving the United States after a road trip down Route 1 and a extended stay in the breathtakingly beautiful Big Sur. Perfect for the more outdoorsy type, Big Sur is situated just a short drive away from whale watching, hiking, and renowned art galleries.

WHERE TO STAY: A celebrity favorite, the serene and eco-friendly Post Ranch Inn is perched high on the California coast, providing guests with amazing views, infinity hot tubs, and wood-burning fireplaces.